The Unbroken Chain of Testimony - Acts 2:22-32, Psalm 16, and John 20:19-31

The Unbroken Chain of Testimony SBCC Sermon April 15, 2023 Key Scriptures: Acts 2:22-32; Psalm 16; John 20:19-31 Michael McNally - Talking to the Wall Street Journal about Epistemology - We live in the Era of “Itching Ears” It is divine intent that we believe the gospel: John 20:31 But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. We believe because of a chain of testimony From the lips of Jesus on down, unbroken through generations Belief - faith - Greek “pistos” has a purpose: - 1 Pet 3:9 - for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls. - “Telos” is the end, purpose, goal, perfect completion, fulfillment, realization, destiny. We believe because of a chain of testimony Don’t let that chain end with you. Pass it on! 1 John 5:1, Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves the father loves his child as well. … 1 John 5:6 This is the one who came by water and blood—Jesus Christ. 1 John 5:6-8 He did not come by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth. 7 For there are three that testify: 8 the Spirit, the water and the blood; and the three are in agreement. ● Water ⇒ birth and baptism – the Son of God shared the human experience with us. ● Blood ⇒ Jesus Christ’s sacrifice by which God created a new relationship. ● Spirit ⇒ revelation: the outpouring personal life of God which inspires & illuminates. ● Experience ⇒ sensory perception, reason, logic, science. ● Relationship ⇒ identity as a saved child, and “onto-relationship” ● Revelation ⇒ the words of scripture illuminated by the Spirit Thomas Torrance You pass on the gospel, and keep the chain alive by speaking the words of your testimony. You can talk about Experience, Revelation, or Relationship. EXPERIENCE John 20:19-31 RELATIONSHIP Psalm 16 REVELATION Acts 2:22-32 Rehearse and share your reasons to believe: revelation, experience, relationship. 1 John 5:7-8 For there are three that testify: the Spirit, the water and the blood; and the three are in agreement.